I don't ride pace lines for 3 reasons: there are none around Monroe in which to ride, when I ride with Skipper if were not riding side by side I'm more than content to let him lead. Lastly, I'm a firm believer in Joe Henderson's (from when I was a runner) theory of LSD. This, of course meaning long, slow, distance not something found on the back of a stamp or in a sugar cube.
To those who do ride pacelines-is it common practice to jump into one composed of strangers? It seems a bit rude to me. I could understand if it was composed of riders that you know or if it was something organized by a club with standards of ability being set at the beginning of the ride but to jump in without an invitation, wouldn't happen. Of course, even with one, it probably wouldn't happen. I keep the bar low so as not to trip when I'm jumping over it.
Pacelines can be open or closed depending on the group's intensions. One should ask for inclusion if joining is desired. Pacelines often provide an opportunity for improvement one can not get when riding alone.